Array of packages having wipes

ABSTRACT

An array of packages is provided wherein each package in the area contains a wipe. While all the packages in the array contain wipes, the wipes are packaged differently according to the desired use. Wipes may be individually wrapped or they may be provided in a package, which contains multiple unwrapped wipes. The wipes may also be individually wrapped and joined to an absorbent article such as a feminine sanitary napkin.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to arrays of packages, particularly wherein thepackages contain wipes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Absorbent articles, such as incontinence devices, tampons, femininesanitary napkins, and diapers do not completely prevent body exudatesfrom soiling areas of the skin. After the removal of an absorbentarticle, such areas may have residual menstrual, urinary, or fecalmaterial attached to the skin or hair. It is desirable to remove suchresidual exudate material from the body. Often, an individual who isremoving an absorbent article is constrained to a rather limitedgeographical area such as a public restroom or a child's changing table.Therefore, unless the individual has some means to clean the area ofskin within close proximity, the area will remain soiled with theunwanted material.

Wipes have been used to clean the body after removal of absorbentarticles. The user of an absorbent article will use a wipe to clean thearea of skin associated with the wearing of the absorbent article. Forexample, when changing a feminine sanitary napkin, the user may wish towipe the vaginal area with a wet or dry wipe such as a disposabletowelette. Multiple wipes are often packaged together in a singlepackage, but wipes may also be individually wrapped. To provide userswith ready access to wipes, individually wrapped wipes have beenprovided with absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins. Theindividually wrapped wipes have either been packaged with the absorbentarticle, or joined thereto.

A consumer's decision to purchase multiple wipes packaged together, orindividually wrapped wipes is often based on what location the consumerexpects to use the wipes. For example, when using wipes in associationwith the use of a feminine sanitary napkin, a package containingmultiple wipes would be easier to use in the home, as a packagecontaining multiple wipes is usually too large to be transporteddiscretely. When the anticipated use of a wipe in association with afeminine sanitary napkin will be outside the home, a wipe, such as anindividually wrapped wipe, capable of being easily transported ispreferred.

It would be desirable to have an array of packages wherein each packagehas a wipe disposed therein, such that a consumer may select a packagefrom the array containing a wipe that meets their immediate or plannedneeds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An array of packages is provided. Each package in the array has aproduct identifier disposed thereon. A first package contains at leastone absorbent article and at least one wipe individually wrapped in apacket. A second package contains at least one absorbent articleconsisting essentially of a wipe individually wrapped in a packet. Athird package contains at least one wipe, wherein the at least one wipeis not individually wrapped.

Another array of packages is also provided. Each package in the arrayhas a product identifier disposed thereon. A first package contains atleast one absorbent article and at least one wipe individually wrappedin a packet, wherein the number of absorbent articles is greater thanone, and the number of absorbent articles is equal to or greater thanthe number of wipes. A second package contains at least one wipeindividually wrapped in a packet, wherein the number of wipes is greaterthan one, and the number of wipes is greater than that of absorbentarticles. A third package contains at least one wipe, wherein the atleast one wipe is not individually wrapped.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial cut-away perspective view of an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial cut-away perspective view of an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial cut-away perspective view of an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, by “array of packages” is meant more than one package ina line-up of consumer products. The consumer products can be, andusually are, branded products such as absorbent articles, home careproducts (cleaning wipes, dusting wipes), beauty care products such asperfume, and oral care products (toothpaste, mouthwash) in which thepackages in the array of packages exhibit a common product identifiersuch as a brand name, trademark, logo, color scheme, indicia orcombinations thereof. For example, the ALWAYS® sanitary napkin brandname includes an array of different products, such as Ultra, Maxi,Regular, Super, Overnight, and the like, that are usually marketed as anarray of packages at a point of sale. The product identifier can be madein any manner known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such as byprinting, embossing, transferring, stamping, debossing, etching or anycombination thereof. In one embodiment, an array of packages is aplurality of packages, each labeled with the same brand name.

As used herein, the term “absorbent article” refers to articles thatabsorb and/or contain a substance, such as, body exudates. A typicalabsorbent article can be placed within, against or in proximity to thebody of a wearer to absorb and contain various body exudates. Examples,of absorbent articles include feminine hygiene articles, adultincontinence products, sanitary tissue products (facial tissue, toilettissue, paper towels, wipes), baby care products (diapers, wipes). Theterm “absorbent article” as used herein also refers to any associatedwrapping or applicator that typically can be associated with anabsorbent article. For example, an absorbent article can be a tamponthat may or may not include an applicator and/or can be a femininesanitary napkin that may or may not include a wrapper, such as, awrapper that individually encloses a feminine sanitary napkin.

As used herein, the term “feminine hygiene article” refers to absorbentarticles that can be worn by women for menstrual and/or lightincontinence control, such as, feminine sanitary napkins, tampons,interlabial products, pessaries, and pantiliners.

As used herein, the term “feminine sanitary napkin” refers to anabsorbent article that can be placed against or in close proximity tothe pudendal region for absorbing menses or urine. Examples of femininesanitary napkins are those manufactured by The Procter & Gamble Companyof Cincinnati, Ohio as: ALWAYS® Pantiliners with DriWeave® manufacturedaccording to U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,324,246; 4,463,045; and 6,004,893; ALWAYS®Ultrathin Slender Maxi with Wings manufactured according to U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,342,314, 4,463,045, 4,556,146, 4,589,876, 4,687,478, 4,950,264,5,009,653, 5,267,992, and Re. 32,649; ALWAYS® Regular Maxi; ALWAYS®Ultra Maxi with Wings; ALWAYS® Maxi with Wings; ALWAYS® Ultra Long Maxiwith Wings; ALWAYS® Long Super Maxi with Wings; and ALWAYS® OvernightMaxi with Wings.

The term “joined”, as used herein, encompasses configurations in which afirst element is directly secured to a second element. Joined alsoincludes configurations in which the first element is indirectly securedto the second element by securing the first element to intermediatemember(s), which in turn are secured to the second element.Additionally, the term joined covers configurations in which the firstelement is integral with the second element, such that the first elementis part of the second element. The first element and the second elementcan be fixedly joined, or releasably joined.

As used herein, the term “indicia” refers to any type of mark, figure,geometric shape, picture, illustration, word, symbol, icon, pattern, orany other image on a package within an array of packages having apurpose of communicating to a consumer something about the consumerproduct contained in a package. As used herein, the term “color scheme”refers to one or more colors or combinations of colors present onindividual packages in an array that allow the individual packages toappear similar or related to each other.

Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated using the followingfigures. The present invention, however, is not limited to structureshaving the particular configurations shown in the figures.

The present invention relates to an array of packages, wherein eachpackage in the array contains at least one wipe. In one embodiment asshown in FIG. 1, the array 10 may be comprised of a package 20containing individually wrapped wipes 22, a package 40 containing wipes42 wherein the wipes 42 are not individually wrapped, and a package 60containing absorbent articles, in this embodiment sanitary napkins 62,and individually wrapped wipes 22. Although the array 10 shown in FIG. 1comprises three packages 20, 40, 60, one of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize that an array may comprise more than three packages. Eachpackage 20, 40, 60 within the array has an exterior surface 82. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 1 the packages 20, 40, 60 may be comprised ofdifferent shapes, sizes and/or materials. For example, the package 20containing individually wrapped wipes 22 could be comprised ofcardboard, the package 40 containing wipes 42 wherein the wipes 42 arenot individually wrapped could be comprised of plastic, and the package60 containing sanitary napkins 62, and individually wrapped wipes 22,could be comprised of film.

Having the wipes contained in packages, in an array of packages,provides a consumer at the point of sale with an option to select apackage containing wipes that meets his or her immediate or plannedneeds. While all the packages in the array contain wipes, the wipes arepackaged differently according to the desired use. Individually wrappedwipes can be discreetly transported in a purse or wallet for use outsidethe home. Wipes which are not individually wrapped can be easily used inthe home, as each wipe does not have to be unwrapped prior to use. Wipeswith an absorbent article can be used both in the home and outside thehome. The absorbent article and the individually wrapped wipe can bediscretely carried for use in areas outside the home. In addition, theabsorbent article and individually wrapped wipe can be conveniently usedin the home, as the wipe is usually in close proximity to or even joinedto the absorbent article.

A package can be of a size or shape that can contain individuallywrapped wipes, absorbent articles, wipes which are not individuallywrapped, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the materialsthat comprise the package can be relatively inflexible materials, suchas, for example, cardboard, paperboard, cartonboard, chipboard, plastic,paper, card stock, ceramic, mesh, screen, or combinations thereof. Incertain other embodiments, the package can be made of a relativelyflexible material, such as, blown or cast film, fabric, webs, orcombinations thereof. The flexible material may comprise polyethylene,metallocenes, ethylene vinyl acetate, surlyn, polyethyleneterephthalate, biaxally oriented polypropylene, nylon, natural fibers,synthetic fibers, or combinations thereof. As used herein the term“flexible” refers to materials, which are compliant and easily deform inthe presence of external forces. In embodiments wherein the packagecontains wet wipes (as described below), which are not individuallywrapped, the package may be made from or have disposed thereon anymaterial which can maintain the wetness of the wipe. For example, apackage comprised of plastic such as a plastic tub.

In certain embodiments, a product identifier such as indicia may bedisposed on a package's exterior surface. In certain embodiments, theindicia may be disposed on the exterior surface of a package which isintended to be viewed by the consumer, when the package is positioned onthe retail shelf. The indicia may communicate to a consumer that apackage contains a wipe. In certain embodiments, the indicia may alsocommunicate a property of the wipe such as whether the wipe is wet ordry, contains a fragrance, odor controller, moisturizer, or any otherproperty or element known by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As shown in FIG. 1 a package 20 may include at least one window 92, suchas a region of transparency. As used herein, “transparency” means havingthe property of transmitting light without substantial scattering sothat individually wrapped wipes, absorbent articles, and/or wipes whichare not individually wrapped, which are beyond the window can be visibleto a consumer. The window can comprise a transparent covering, such as,for example, a transparent film. In addition, or alternatively, thewindow can comprise an opening in the package that does not include acovering. In certain embodiments, the window can comprise a transparentcovering that can be clear, translucent, and/or tinted. The transparentcovering can be tinted in a color or combination of colors. Thetransparent covering can also, or alternatively, be printed and/orembossed.

A window may be disposed on at least one face of the exterior surface ofthe package, such as, the front, back, top, bottom, and/or sides, asdetermined by the package's intended positioning on the retail shelf. Incertain embodiments, a window may be disposed on more than one face. Incertain embodiments, there may be more than one window disposed on theexterior surface of the package. In addition, there may be more than onewindow disposed on a face of the exterior surface of the package. Awindow may be at any position on a face of the exterior surface of thepackage. In certain embodiments, a window may comprise from about 5% toabout 95% of the total surface area of a face of the exterior surface,in other embodiments from about 5% to about 75% of the total surfacearea of a face of the exterior surface, in further embodiments fromabout 5% to about 50% of the total surface area of a face of theexterior surface, and in another embodiment from about 5% to about 25%of the total surface area of a face of the exterior surface. In certainembodiments, individually wrapped wipes and/or absorbent articles can bepositioned adjacent the window such that at least a portion of theindividually wrapped wipe and/or absorbent article, can be visiblethrough the window.

A wipe may be individually wrapped in a packet. Referring back to FIG. 1each packet has an exterior surface 24. The packet may be made of paper,metal foil, polymer film, metalized polymer film, and/or other materialsknown by one of ordinary skill in the art. When the wipe is a wet wipe,any material which can maintain the wetness of the wipe can be used forthe packet, for example, laminates with a layer of ethylene vinylalcohol (EVOH), propylene vinyl alcohol (PVOH), or aluminum sandwichedbetween polymeric film layers, such as LDPE (low density polyethylene).In certain embodiments, the packet is flushable and disintegrates. Suchflushable packets may include silicone-treated polyvinyl alcohol films,or films coated with a polyvinyl alcohol, tissue coated or impregnatedwith polyvinyl alcohol, or other water soluble materials.

In any of the embodiments, the packet may be any desired shape. Forexample, the packet may be a square, rectangle, oval, circle, or anyother desired shape in plan view. The packet can include a means forunsealing (or opening) the packet in order to access a wipe. Forexample, the packet can have a scored or die cut line of weakness toallow the packet to be opened easily with a tab, easy peel label, or anyother opening mechanism; a “Dry-edge” sticker mechanism, such as, asticker with a dry edge for grasping; releasable adhesives; releasableheat and/or pressure seals; perforations; rupture seals; tear seals; orthe packet can be made of a relatively easy to tear material such as, aneasy to tear film. The packet may be resealable for disposal.

In certain embodiments, a packet containing an individually wrapped wipemay be joined to an absorbent article. A packet may be joined anabsorbent article using methods known by one of ordinary skill in theart, such as heat and/or pressure seals, ultrasonic seals, glue seals,and zippered track sealing systems, such as Dow Company's “ZIP LOCKS”.In certain embodiments, a product identifier may be disposed on theexterior surface of a packet. The product identifier disposed on theexterior surface of a packet may be the same as the product identifierdisposed on the package in which the packet is contained.

A wipe may comprise a woven or nonwoven web of natural fibers, syntheticfibers, or mixtures of natural and synthetic fibers, such as thosedescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,604 issued Nov. 11, 2003 toFereshtehkhou et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,561,354 issued May 13, 2003 toFereshtehkhou et al. Natural fibers may include cellulosic fibers, suchas wood pulp fibers, cotton, and rayon. Synthetic fibers may includefibers commonly used in textiles, such as, for example, polyolefins,such as polyester and polypropylene fibers. In certain otherembodiments, the wipe can comprise a paper material, for example, papermaterial that is made of a wet-laid material in a manner used to producetoilet tissue or facial tissue. In certain embodiments, the wipe cancomprise silk and/or foam, such as foam disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,260,345 issued Nov. 9, 1993 to DesMarais et al.; U.S. Pat. No.5,387,207 issued Feb. 7, 1995 to Dyer et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,817,704issued Oct. 6, 1998 to Shiveley et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,550,167 issuedAug. 27, 1996 to DesMarais; U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,909 issued Oct. 27, 1998to DesMarais; U.S. Pat. No. 6,365,642 issued Apr. 2, 2002 to Dyer et al.The wipe may be capable of being flushed in a toilet (i.e., it is“flushable”). For example, the wipe may disintegrate into piecessufficiently small, such that when being transported in the sewer systemthe pieces do not plug any element of the sewer system.

The wipe can be any size or shape that may be used for cleansing theskin, or for providing other benefits (as described below) when using orchanging an absorbent article. For example, in certain embodiments, thewipe may be rectangular or circular. In certain embodiments, the wipemay be about 4 square inches (about 25 square centimeters) in size toabout 9 square inches (about 50 square centimeters) in size. In certainother embodiments, the wipe may be between about 16 square inches (about100 square centimeters) in size to about 50 square inches (about 320square centimeters) in size.

The wipe may be apertured, textured, patterned embossed, dyed, printedwith ink, coated with clear polymer or colored polymer, or combinationsthereof. For example, the wipe may be printed or dyed to give a visualsignal of an active ingredient.

The wipe can be a wet wipe that comprises a liquid-based solution. Incertain embodiments, the wipe can comprise a nonwoven fabric impregnatedwith the liquid-based solution. The liquid-based solution can include,for example, surfactants, alcohols, fragrance compositions,antimicrobial agents, pH buffers, anti-itch agents, odor control agents,cooling agents, preservatives, combinations thereof, or any othersubstances known in the art for inclusion in wet wipes. The wipe canalso contain substances such as silicones that can inhibit body exudatesfrom adhering to the user's body. The liquid-based solution can alsocomprise a lotion, such as, for example, an aqueous or non-aqueouslotion. In certain embodiments, the lotion can increase the cleaningcapabilities of the wipe by aiding removal of soiling from the skin. Thelotion can also provide skin benefits by reducing friction between theskin and the wipe, and/or between skin and the absorbent article, and/orby containing materials that can soothe the skin, such as, for example,aloe, Vitamin E, or chamomile. Other embodiments can include dry wipesor wipes containing non-aqueous cleaning solutions such as, mineraloils, and the emollient described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,481,243 issued Nov.6, 1984 to Allen et al.

One or more fragrance compositions can be included in the liquid-basedsolution in order to produce a scented wipe. Alternatively, the one ormore fragrance compositions can be included in the wipe separately fromany liquid-based solution such as, for example, by applying thefragrance composition to the wipe prior to addition of a liquid-basedsolution. The wipe can also include a separate component such as, forexample, a carrier material comprising a fragrance composition.Additionally, the one or more fragrance compositions can be disposed oftogether or separately on at least a portion of the wipe.

FIG. 2 shows an example of an array 10 of packages 20, 40, 60, with eachpackage 20, 40, 60 containing a different feminine hygiene article suchas a feminine sanitary napkin, but wherein the appearance of theindividual packages 20, 40, 60 in the array 10 is the same or similar toeach other. Package 20 contains individually wrapped wipes 22, package40 contains wipes which are not individually wrapped 42, and package 60contains sanitary napkins 62 with individually wrapped wipes 22. Thisexample shows that the packages 20, 40, 60 in an array 10 may have thesame or similar shapes and sizes. The packages 20, 40, 60 may alsocomprise the same or similar materials. Further, in certain embodiments,the packages in an array may comprise consumer products other than wipesand sanitary napkins. For example an array could comprise a packagecontaining wipes, a second package containing tampons, and a thirdpackage containing a fragrance.

FIG. 3 shows an example of an array 10 of packages 20, 40, 60, whereinthe sanitary napkins 62 and individually wrapped wipes 22 are containedin the same package 60, but are not joined to each other.

FIG. 4 shows an example of an array 10 of packages 20, 40, 60, whereinthe packages 20, 40, 60 in the array 10 have the same brand name 94disposed thereon. In certain embodiments, the brand name 94 will bedisposed on the face 95 of the package 20, 40, 60 intended to be viewedby the consumer when the package 20, 40, 60 is placed on the retailshelf.

FIG. 5 shows an example of an array 10 of packages 20, 40, 60, whereinthe packages 20, 40, 60 in the array 10 have the same indicia 96disposed thereon. With reference to FIG. 4 the indicia may be disposedon the face 95 of the package 20, 40, 60 intended to be viewed by theconsumer.

FIG. 6 shows an example of an array 10 of packages 20, 40, 60, whereinthe packages 20, 40, 60 in the array 10, have the same or similar colorschemes. At least one of the faces of each package, which in thisembodiment is the face 95 of the package 20, 40, 60 intended to beviewed by the consumer, has disposed thereon a first color 98 andanother color 100 other than the first color.

FIG. 7 shows an example of an array 10 of packages 20, 40, 60, whereinthe packages 20, 40, 60 in the array 10, have a window 92 disposed on atleast one face of the package 20, 40, 60, which in this embodiment isthe face 95 of the package 20, 40, 60 intended to be viewed by theconsumer.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, inrelevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of anydocument is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior artwith respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1. An array of packages, said array comprising: a.) a first packagehaving a first product identifier disposed thereon, said first packagehaving disposed therein at least one absorbent article and at least onewipe individually wrapped in a packet, b.) a second package having asecond product identifier disposed thereon, said second package havingdisposed therein at least one absorbent article consisting essentiallyof a wipe individually wrapped in a packet, and c.) a third packagehaving a third product identifier disposed thereon, said third packagehaving disposed therein at least one wipe, wherein the at least one wipeis not individually wrapped.
 2. The array of claim 1 wherein the productidentifier disposed on the first package, the product identifierdisposed on the second package, and the product identifier disposed onthe third package is at least one of a brand name, trademark, logo,color scheme, or indicia.
 3. The array of claim 1 wherein the firstpackage, second package, or third package comprises a material that isat least one of cardboard, paperboard, cartonboard, chipboard, plastic,paper, card stock, ceramic, mesh, screen, blown film, cast film, fabric,or webs.
 4. The array of claim 1 wherein the product identifier disposedon the first package, the product identifier disposed on the secondpackage, and the product identifier disposed on the third package, is atleast one of a print, embossment, transfer, stamp, debossment, or etch.5. The array of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first package,second package, or third package includes a window.
 6. The array ofclaim 1 wherein the packet disposed in the first package has a productidentifier disposed thereon that is the same as the product identifierdisposed on the first package.
 7. The array of claim 1 wherein thepacket disposed in the second package has a product identifier disposedthereon that is the same as the product identifier disposed on thesecond package.
 8. The array of claim 1 wherein the packet disposed inthe first package has disposed thereon the same product identifier asthe product identifier of the packet disposed in the second package. 9.The array of claim 1 wherein the packet disposed in the first package isjoined to a wrapper associated with the absorbent article.
 10. The arrayof claim 1 wherein the absorbent article is at least one of a femininehygiene article, adult incontinence product, sanitary tissue product, orbaby care product.
 11. The array of claim 10 wherein the femininehygiene article is a feminine sanitary napkin.
 12. An array of packages,said array comprising: a.) a first package having a product identifier,said first package having disposed therein at least one absorbentarticle and at least one wipe individually wrapped in a packet, whereinthe number of absorbent articles is greater than one, and the number ofabsorbent articles is equal to or greater than the number of wipes; b.)a second package having a product identifier, said second package havingdisposed therein at least one wipe individually wrapped in a packet,wherein the number of wipes is greater than one, and the number of wipesis greater than that of absorbent articles; and c.) a third packagehaving a product identifier, said third package having disposed thereinat least one wipe, wherein the at least one wipe is not individuallywrapped.
 13. The array of claim 12 wherein the product identifierdisposed on the first package, the product identifier disposed on thesecond package, and the product identifier disposed on the third packageis at least one of a brand name, trademark, logo, color scheme, orindicia.
 14. The array of claim 12 wherein the first package, secondpackage, or third package comprises a material that is at least one ofcardboard, paperboard, cartonboard, chipboard, plastic, paper, cardstock, ceramic, mesh, screen, blown film, cast film, fabric, or webs.15. The array of claim 12 wherein the product identifier disposed on thefirst package, the product identifier disposed on the second package,and the product identifier disposed on the third package, is at leastone of a print, embossment, transfer, stamp, debossment, or etch
 16. Thearray of claim 12 wherein at least one of the first package, secondpackage, or third package includes a window.
 17. The array of claim 12wherein the packet disposed in the first package has a productidentifier disposed thereon that is the same as the product identifierdisposed on the first package.
 18. The array of claim 12 wherein thepacket disposed in the second package has a product identifier disposedthereon that is the same as the product identifier disposed on thesecond package.
 19. The array of claim 12 wherein the packet disposed inthe first package has disposed thereon the same product identifier asthe product identifier of the packet disposed in the second package. 20.The array of claim 12 wherein the absorbent article is at least one of afeminine hygiene article, adult incontinence product, sanitary tissueproduct, or baby care product.